Basin man appointed to Veterans Commission

Gov. Mark Gordon has appointed a Basin man to a three-year term on the Wyoming Veterans Commission.

Bobby Werner will join Nicole Laffin of Lovell as co-commissioners of Judicial District No. 5, which encompasses Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park and Washakie counties.  Werner will be the primary contact for the southern half of the district and Laffin the northern half.

Werner’s appointment and the re-appointment of Rosemarie Harding, Cheyenne, to represent Judicial District 1; Jack Tarter, Buffalo, to represent Judicial District 4, and Lyle Wadda, Fort Washakie, to represent Judicial District 9, were announced by the Wyoming Veterans Commission on Oct. 23.

“These commissioners will serve to strengthen and advance the mission of the Wyoming Veterans Commission by developing and enhancing programs, services, and benefits for Wyoming veterans and their families,” said Tim Sheppard, Wyoming Veterans Commission director. “Their role is vital to ensuring our veterans and their families thrive.”

The Wyoming Veterans Commission, founded in 1981, initially focused on establishing the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery in Evansville. Over the years, the commission has expanded its role in advocating for Wyoming’s veteran population.

Comprised of 12 governor-appointed commissioners representing Wyoming’s judicial districts, the commission works in partnership with the Wyoming Military Department, the state government, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Veterans Service Organizations to improve the quality of life for Wyoming veterans.

Werner is currently serving as the commander of American Legion Post 32.

“You have to be passionate about something, and you need to have a hobby when you retire,” said Werner. “Mine is trying to help other veterans out and doing what I can to steer them in the right direction to get the benefits they deserve.”

And that landscape has changed significantly since the passage of the PACT Act in 2023.

“I tell veterans all the time, ‘If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find it for you,’” Werner said.